10.04.2026 12:00
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Fatih Dönmez announced that they have conducted extensive preparations regarding betting and that major investigations will conclude soon. Dönmez stated that they are pleased with the data from their efforts to completely dismantle the betting system and mentioned that a comprehensive operation will take place soon.
İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Fatih Dönmez met with court reporters to provide information regarding the investigations conducted by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Dönmez announced that actions have been taken against 255 suspects in the case related to drug operations targeting celebrities.
32 PEOPLE ARRESTED
Dönmez stated that approximately 32 individuals are currently in custody. He mentioned that forensic medicine results have been received for 219 individuals and entered into the case, noting that cocaine and marijuana have been found in 169 suspects.
"NEW OPERATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE"
Dönmez said that 400 individuals, referred to as "dealers," have been arrested in operations conducted in the last two months, expressing that they have seen a significant decrease in demand based on information gathered from the field. Dönmez stated, "There will be new operations in this case."
The Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul continued his remarks as follows:
"Celebrities are paying the price of being famous. Our main goal is to reach the top of the organizations. We aim to reach those who trade and bring drugs into the country. We have investigations related to manufacturing and trade through France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. We are also cooperating with these countries. We have developed an international investigation method. Drug trafficking is not just characterized by production and sale. We are conducting operations against those who organize this business and carry the money. Someone who is seen as a jeweler from the outside is running an international drug trade. While the life of the celebrity is important, it is even more crucial for us that it is not glamorized."
Dönmez also provided information regarding investigations into sports betting and match-fixing. He stated that actions have been taken against 129 suspects, and a public case has been opened against 56 suspects, adding that the investigations are ongoing.
Emphasizing that the examinations are not limited to football, Dönmez expressed that the issue should be addressed under the title of "sports betting." He noted that investigations related to basketball and volleyball are also ongoing, stating that the data provided by the Turkish Football Federation is very valuable.
BETTING OPERATION ON CELEBRITIES: WE WILL ANNOUNCE OUR WORK SOON
Dönmez announced that a new betting operation targeting celebrities will be conducted, continuing his remarks as follows:
"We have extensive work regarding illegal betting. We will have larger investigations than those conducted so far. We will soon announce our major investigation work, which also includes well-known names."